Animal cage washing machine



Oct. 11, 1966 D. GOLDMAN ANIMAL CAGE WASHING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 22, 1961 INVENTOR. DA V/D GOLD/WAN 9% ATMQ/VEY.

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ANIMAL CAGE WASHING MACHINE Filed Nov. 22, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. DA W0 (1 OLDMAN D. GOLDMAN Get. 11, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 22, 1961 I N VEN TOR.

T E I I l l I 1.11. I I I 1 i I 1 lt DAV/D G W ATTQQWEX Oct. 11, 1966 D. GOLDMAN ANIMAL CAGE WASHING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 22, 1961 Mf'la I I I l I I l 04 g Nah INVENTOR DAV/D @OLDM'AN Oct. 11, 1966 D. GOLDMAN 3,277,996

ANIMAL CAGE WASHING MACHINE Filed Nov. 22, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ma: Rm 2 E53: 3

United States Patent M 3,277,906 ANIMAL CAGE WASHING MACHINE David Goldman, New York, N.Y., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Howard D. Taylor as trustee under an indenture of trust Filed Nov. 22, 1961, Ser. No. 154,254 17 Claims. (Cl. 134-57) This invention relates to washing machines.

It is particularly directed to machines for washing animal cages, racks and other large articles.

One object of this invention is to improve on the machine disclosed in my copending application Serial No. 24,711, filed April 26, 1960, now abandoned.

In the machine disclosed in my said copending application, jets of water are sprayed simultaneously toward each other from a pair of opposite sides of the casing in which the articles to be washed are placed. It has been found that with such arrangement, dirt on said articles is washed from opposite sides toward the middle by the opposed sprays, and sometimes some pieces of dirt cling to each other and remain on the articles to be washed without being washed all the way off or passing to drain. It is hence a further object of this invention to provide a machine of the character described having means to alternately spray water from each of a pair of opposite sides of the casing, so that dirt from each side may be washed all the way across to the opposite side of the casing, and hence washed completely off said article-s, to produce a better cleansing.

A further object of this invention is to provide in a washing machine of the character described, spray heads having rotating apertured pipe arms which overlap, but by-pass each other because they are in spaced planes.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the character described, a casing in which passages for water pipes leading to various spray heads on the casing, constitute reinforcement for the walls of the casing.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a machine of the character described having a wall provided with a door, and highly improved means to uninimize leakage at the door, and to catch water passing over the door sill and pass it to drain.

Still another object of this invention is to provide in a washer of the character described, highly improved means to automatically spray water in the washer for predetermined wash, first rinse and second rinse periods, drain water from the washer to a predetermined low level, and add water to the washer to raise the level to a predetermined high level, all in predetermined sequences.

A still further object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the character described, means to divert water from one set of spray heads which spray water in one direction, to another set of spray heads which spray water in an opposite direction, each time water is pumped by the pump means and the drain valve is closed.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a machine of the character described, means to preset selectively, the periods for wash, first rinse and second rinse operations.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a washer of the character described having means to automatically and sequentially, (a) pump water to the spray heads in the washer for a predetermined period; then (b) add water to the washer tank for a predetermined period of time while water continues being pumped to the spray heads; then (c) pump water to the spray heads for a first predetermined wash period; then (d) open a drain valve for a predetermined period of time and pump Water to the drain through the open valve until water in the tank drops to a predetermined low level to 3,277,906 Patented Oct. 11, 1966 de-energize the pump; then (e) again add water to the casing tank until the level of water reaches a predetermined high level thereby starting the pumping of Water to the spray heads, and continue water fill for a predetermined period of time; then (f) pump water to the spray heads for a predetermined period for a first rinse; then (g) again add water to the tank for a predetermined period; then (h) again open the drain valve for a predetermined period and pump water to the drain through the open drain valve until the level in the tank reaches a predetermined low level; then (i) add water again to the tank until the water in the tank reaches a predetermined high level, thereby starting the pumping of water to the spray heads, and continue fill of water to the tank for a predetermined period; then (j) pump strong and durable washer of the character described.

which shall be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, automatic in operation, easy to keep clean, and which shall yet be practical and efiicient to a high degree in use.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope of invention will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings in which is shown an illustrative embodiment of this invention,

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a washer embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 3a is a top view of the diverter shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the washer at a side opposite the side shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 77 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view taken on line 8a--8a of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view taken on line 8b8b of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a wiring diagram of the electrical sequential system;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the timing of the various functions of the sequential operation;

FIG. 11 is a wiring diagram of a cycle flex timer for either the first wash, first rinse or second rinse operation, illustrating the first stage thereof;

FIG. lla is the same as FIG. 11, but illustrating the second stage thereof;

FIG. llzb is the same as FIG. 11a, but illustrates the third stage thereof; and

FIG. 12 is a diagrarnatic view of the program timer motor and the cams controlled thereby.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, designates a Washer embodying the invention. The washer illustrated, is for washing animal cages, racks or other large objects, particularly objects to which dirt or organic matter clings and is stuck thereon, and which must be washed very clean.

The washer 10 comprises a casing 11 having a top wall 12, a rear wall 13, left and right side walls 14 and 15, and a front wall 16. Front wall 16 has a door opening 17 for a front door 18. Extending rearwardly from the lower end of front wall 16 is a downwardly sloping bottom wall 19 terminating short of the rear wall 13. At the rear end of wall 19 is a downwardly extending wall 20 from the lower end of which extends rearwardly a wall 21. Extending from wall 21 is a downwardly and rearwardly sloping Wall 22. Extending forwardly from the lower end of rear Wall 13 is a horizontal wall 24 at the level of wall 21, and extending therefrom is a downwardly and forwardly sloping wall 26 symmetrical with wall 22. The lower ends of walls 26, 22 are joined by a pipe 27 formed with a series of top openings 28 communicating with the converging space bounded by walls 26, 22. These openings may decrease in size gradually from the far end of the pipe to the near end (looking at FIG. 6). The far end of pipe 27 is closed. The bottom of the casing constitutes a water tank. In the depressed chamber 29 over the walls 21, 24 (they are below wall 19) is a steam pipe assembly 30 to quickly heat water in the tank. This steam assembly may be fed with steam in any suitable manner.

Above steam pipe assembly 30 are supported a plurality of removable screen baskets 30a. Brackets 30b on wall 20 support the front of the baskets and brackets 300 on the rear wall 13 support the rear of the baskets. Pipe 27 connects to the inlet end of a pump 32 actuated by electric motor 33. The outlet end of the pump is connected by pipe 34 to one branch 35 of a Y-pipe fitting 36. Fitting 36 has one outlet branch 37 aligned with branch 35 and an angular branch 38 connected by pipe 39 to a butterfly drain valve 40 which in turn is connected to drain pipe 41 through a T-fitting 42. Fitting 42 has a branch 43 connected to a flow-off pipe 44.

At the lower end of door opening 17, the front wall 16 has a forwardly extending horizontal sill 46 (FIG. 8) provided with an upwardly extending transverse flange 47. Fixed to the inside of wall 16 at the lower end of the door opening is a plate 48 projecting upwardly parallel to flange 47 and forming a channel trough 49 therewith in which a removable grating 50 may be placed. Plate 48 is formed with a series of openings or slots 51 so that water dripping into the channel trough 49 may flow back into the tank portion of the casing.

Extending forwardly from sill 46 is a horizontal Wall 52 provided with a front wall 53 forming a second channel trough 54 with flange 47. The ends of channels 49, 54 may be closed by suitable end Walls. Wall 52 has perforations 55. A curved wall 56 connects the front end of wall 52 with the underside of wall 19 forming a flow off chamber 57 to which the upper end of pipe 44 is connected. Thus water dripping down from the door or splashing over the flange 47 will pass down through perforations 55 and pass back to the drain through pipe 44.

Fixed to the front and rear vertical corners of the casing are reinforcing channels 60. Each channel 60 may have joined walls 61 (FIG. 8b) at right angles to each other and spaced from and parallel to vertical walls of the casing at the adjacent corner, walls 62 at right angles to walls 61 and extending from the outer ends of said walls, to the casing walls, and flanges 63 extending outwardly from walls 62 and fixed to the casing walls. The insides of the channels 60 may be reinforced by heavy steel angle members 64, 65. The channels may be filled with heat insulating material if desired. The upper ends of the front corner channels 60 may be interconnected above the door opening as at 66 by a top front corner channel.

The corner channels 60 extend down below casing 11 to floor base channels 60a of a floor base B.

The door 18 may be hollow having a front wall 70 and a rear wall 71 interconnected suitably at top and bottom. At the hinged side of the door, walls 70, 71 are interconnected by wall 72 having an inner vertical portion 73 from which extends an inclined portion 74. Extending from adjacent wall 62 of adjacent corner channel 60 is a flange 75 projecting toward inclined wall 74. Front or outer wall 70 of the door has an extension 70a extending beyond wall 74 and close to adjacent wall 62.

It will now be seen that a recess 72a of V-shaped cross-section is formed between walls 74, 70a and that flange 75 projects into said recess.

Fixed to wall 61 (and its inner reinforcing angle member 64) of the channel 60 adjacent the hinged side of the door are a plurality of brackets 76 each comprising a pair of apertured cars 7611 carrying a vertical hinge pin 77 to which is hinged an arm 78 projecting inwardly and fixed to the outside of front wall 70 of the door 18.

At its outer end, the door 18 is formed with an inwardly opening channel 81 (FIG. 8a) closed by the front wall of the casing, and fixed to the front wall 16 of the casing is a flange 82 projecting into said channel to its inner end to seal the door opening. As wall 18 is swung open about hinge pins 77 (which are spaced from the inner end of the door), inclined wall 74 moves beyond flange 75. Flange 75 and door wall extension 70a serve to seal the inner end of the door when the door is closed (FIG. 8b).

Fixed to the lower end of the inner wall 70 of the door, is a plate 85 clamping a gasket 86 to the door. Gasket 86 projects down below wall 48 (FIG. 8) and contacts the outer side of said wall, when the door is closed, to prevent splash of water over said wall. The door 18 may be provided with any suitable latches 18a controlled by a vertical rod 18b to which a handle 18c is fixed. Latches 18a engage keepers 18d on adjacent corner channel 60 to tightly close the door.

Drain valve 40 is controlled by an air motor 89 actuated by a solenoid 90 (FIG. 9), which when energized, opens the valve and which when de-energized allows the drain valve to be closed.

Fixed to the outer surface of left side wall 14 of the casing 11 are a pair of vertical, spaced reinforcing channels 93 and 94 (FIG. 1), substantially equally spaced from the front and rear ends of the casing and from each other. Channels 93, 94 extend down to transverse base floor channels 95 parallel to base channels 60a of floor base B. Channels 60a, 95 are interconnected by longitudinal side base floor channels 96. The casing 11 is thus supported in spaced relation above the floor on base B, as shown in the drawing.

On the right side of the casing there is fixed to side wall 15, a pair of parallel, spaced, vertical reinforcing channels 97, 98 aligned with channels 93, 94 and also extending down to the base channels 95. The upper ends of Chan-- nels 93, 94 are connected to the upper ends of channels 97, 98 by top transverse channels 99, 100 fixed to the top wall 12 of the casing (FIG. 5).

Connected to branch 37 of Y-pipe fitting 36, is a horizontal pipe 102 projecting underneath the casing 11 and located about midway between the front and rear ends of the casing.

Extending up from pipe 102 is an inclined branch 103 connected to a horizontal transverse pipe section 104 flanged at its ends.

Fixed to the ends of pipe section 104 are butterfly valves 105, 106 so arranged that when one is open the other is closed and vice versa. Connected to the axles of valve plates 105a, 106a of said valves 105, 106 are parallel arms 107, 108 pivoted to a connecting rod 109 which' is pivoted to the piston of an air motor 110 controlled by a solenoid 110a (FIG. 9). The air hoses for the air motor 110 are connected to an electric operated four-- (FIG. 9). This repeat timer (made by Automatic Timing and Control, Inc. of Philadelphia, Pa.) has a motor 111a which turns a switch 112 (FIG. 9) on and off for predetermined preset periods and repeats the operation continuously for the purpose hereinafter appearing, while motor 111a is energized. The air motor 110 may be pivoted as at 113 to a post 113a fixed to the base B of the casing (FIG. 3).

When the air motor is in the position of FIG. 3, valve 105 is closed and valve 106 is open. When the air motor pushes connecting rod to the left (FIG. 3), valve 105 closes and valve 106 opens. This is due to rotation of valve plates 105a, 1060 through angles of 90 in a clockwise direction, looking at FIG. 3. Movement of the connecting rod 109 back and forth is controlled by the solenoid 110a for the air motor 110. The valves 105, 106 act as a diverter for flow of water to two sets of spray heads as will appear hereinafter.

Connected to valve 105 is a pipe 114 extending to the left of the casing, and from which extends flat branch pipes 115, 116 inclined upwardly and disposed in the plane of channels 93, 94. Branch 115 passes into channel 93 through a suitable opening and extending upwardly therefrom is a flat pipe, passing through said channel to its upper end. At its upper end, pipe 117 connects to a fiat pipe portion 118 passing through channel 99 (FIG. 2). Pipe portion 118 only extends little more than halfway across the top of the casing. Connected to pipe portion 117 by fittings 117a passing through wall 14 of the casing are upper and lower twirling, rotary spray heads 1171; having outwardly extending apertured tubular arms 1170. The arms 1170 of the upper head are in a plane spaced or offset inwardly from the plane of the arms of the lower head. The apertures of the pipe arms 1170 are located at the side of the pipes away from wall 14 so that water will spray across the casing toward Wall 15.

Connected to the end of pipe portion 118 by a fitting 118:: is a twirling rotary spray head 1181: having apertured arms 1180. The spray heads are so constructed as to be self-rotating when water is fed thereto under pressure. The same is true of spray heads to be described hereinafter, also located in the casing 11.

Branch 116 passes through a suitable opening in channel 94, thereinto. Extending upwardly through channel 94, from branch 116 is a fiat pipe 120 going to the top and from which extends a flat pipe portion 121 passing through top channel 100 about halfway across the top of the casing.

Connected to pipe 120 by pipe fittings 120a passing through wall 14 are twirly spray heads 12% having radial, apertured pipe arms 1200. Fittings 120a are at the levels of fitting 117a. Pipe arms of the upper spray head 12012 are in the plane of the pipe arms of the lower spray head 11712; and pipe arms of the lower spray head 1201) are in the plane of the pipe arms of the upper spray head 11711. The ends of arms of the lower spray heads overlap when said lower spray heads twirl or rotate, but by-pass each other because they are located in different planes. Also, the ends of the arms of the upper spray heads overlap but by-pass each other because they are located in planes.

The rear corner channels 60 are interconnected by a rear transverse top corner channel 125 (FIG. 5). Connected to the end of pipe portion 121 is a top flat pipe portion 126 passing through a suitable opening in channel 100 and extending rearwardly through openings in rear corner channel 125, and then downwardly as by vertical pipe portion 127 fixed to the rear wall 13 of the casing 11, about half-way down. Connected to the lower end of pipe 127 is a fitting 127a passing through rear wall 13 and supporting a twirling spray head 1271) having apertured radial ipipe arms 1270 located near the inner side of rear wall 13 (FIG. 5).

Connected to valve 106 is a transverse, horizontal pipe 130 (FIG. 3) extending toward wall of the casing 6 and beneath said casing. Extending from pipe are flat branches 131, 132 (FIG. 5) from which extend upwardly into channels 97, 98, through suitable openings, flat vertical pipe portions 133, 134, respectively. Connected to said pipe portions 133, 134 and passing through wall 15 of the casing, are fittings 133a 134a supporting twirling spray heads 133b, 1.3415, respectively, having radial apertured pipe arms 1330, 1340. The upper pipe arms 1340, and lower pipe arms 1330 are spaced inwardly of the upper pipe arms 1330 and the lower pipe ar-ms 1340. Arms 1340 overlap arms 1330 at the same level, but by-pass them because they are in different planes. Fittings 133a, 134a are aligned with fittings 117a, 120a. As water under pressure is fed to pipes 133, 134, spray heads will selfrotate and spray water across the casing toward casing wall 14. Pipes 133, 134 extend only up to the height of the upper fittings 133a, 134a.

It will now be understood that the reinforcing channels 93, 94, 99, 100, 97, 98 serve to house water pipes for the spray heads. The spray heads may be similar to those described in detail in my above referred to co-pending application Serial No. 24,711, filed April 26, 1960.

Also extending from pipe portion 133 is a pipe branch located at the underside of bottom wall 19 of the casing.

Pipe 140 (FIGS. 5, 6) is inclined forwardly and extends to a point on the longitudinal mid-section of the bottom wall. Connected to pipe 140 and passing upwardly through bottom wall 19, is a fitting 140a for a spray head 14% disposed above said bottom wall and having apertured radial pipe arms 1400. The apertures in said pipe arms 1400 are located to spray water upwardly.

Connected to pipe 134 is a fiat pipe portion 141 (FIGS. 5, 6) located at the underside of bottom wall 19 and inclined forwardly and terminating also on the longitudinal mid-section of said bottom wall. Connected to the end of pipe 141 is a fitting 141a, passing through the bottom wall, twirling spray head 1411) having radial apertured pipe arms 1410 in a plane just below pipe arms 1400, and adapted to spray water upwardly.

Water may be fed to the casing by means of a water supply pipe (FIG. 1) which may be controlled manually by a hand valve 151, and electrically, as will appear hereinafter, by a fill valve 152 controlled by a solenoid 153 (FIG. 9).

Power to the pump motor 33 is controlled by a magnetic starter 153a (FIG. 9) which, when energized, closes switches 154 in the power circuit 155 for the motor.

At side wall 14 is a well 156, the lower end of which is connected by pipe 157 to wall 22, so that the level of water in the well is the same as the level of water in the tank. In the well are a pair of spaced floats 158 on a single wire 159 attached to a float switch 160 (FIGS. 1 and 9). The float switch is so arranged that it closes when water level in the well reaches a predetermined high level (for example 28") and remains on until the level drops to a predetermined low level (for example 8"), at which time it opens and remains open until water level again reaches the predetermined high level. When the level in the well goes down below the predetermined low level, the weight of both floats are suflicient to open switch 160. As the level rises and only the lower float floats. the switch will not close, as it requires both floats to float, before the switch goes on again. A float switch such as switch 160 is manufactured by Penn Controls. Inc. of Goshen, Indiana under the title Penn 2 Pole Sump Pump Switch.

Mounted on a rear bracket 162 fixed to rear wall 13 and on the front end of bottom wall 19 are horizontal tracks 163 in a plane above the twirling heads 140b, 1411). When the door 18 is open, the racks, animal cages or other articles to be washed, may be moved into the casing on the tracks 163.

Referring now to the electrical system of FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 11a, 11b, 12, numerals 170, 171 designate the neutral and hot lines of the control current. A cabin light 172 within the casing is connected by wire 173 across lines 170, 171. In hot line 171 is interposed a main control hand switch 174 and a micro-door switch 175 adapted to close a contact 176 in the hot line when the door is closed. When the door is open, micro-switch 175 closes a contact 177 connected by wire 178 to contacts 179 and 180. A hand drain switch 181 adapted to engage switch 180 when closed, is connected by wire 182 to the drain valve solenoid 90 which in turn is connected to neutral line 170. A hand fill switch 183 is adapted to engage contact 179 when closed, and is connected by wire 184 to the fill valve solenoid 153 which in turn is connected to the neutral line 170. Thus, when the door is open and the main control switch 174 is closed, the water fill valve may be opened by manually closing switch 183, and the drain valve may 'be opened by manually closing switch 181.

Motor 111a of repeat timer 111 has two terminals 111b, 1110. Terminal 1110 is connected by wire 185 to neutral line 170. Terminal 11112 is connected by wire 186 to wire 187 connected to one terminal of the float switch 160. The other terminal of the float switch is connected by wire 188 through switch No. 1 to the hot line 171, and also by wires 189, 190 through a manual start switch 191 to said hot line. The magnetic starter coil 15311 is connected by wire 192 from neutral line 170 to wires 186, 187. Thus, when the starter switch 191 or switch No. 1 is closed, current passes through the closed float switch 160 to the magnetic starter coil 153a to actuate the pump motor 33, and also through the repeat timer motor 111a, to alternate switch arm 112 between a pair of contacts 112a, 1121;. Contact 112a is connected by wire 193 to the solenoid 110a for the four-way air valve motor 110. Contact 112b is connected by wire 194 to wires 189, 190. Thus, when start switch 191 or switch No. 1 is closed, and while float switch 160 is closed, the repeat timer is energized and water will be pumped alternately through set of spray heads 117b, 118b, 120b, 121b, 1271: and the set of spray heads 133b, 134b, 140b, 141b.

The spray heads 118b, 121b spray water from one side of the casing to the opposite side. While they are spraying, spray heads 133b, 1341: are not. When spray heads 133b, 13411 are spraying, spray heads 118b, 121b are not. Hence spray heads 133b, 1341; may spray all the way across the casing. In washers as heretofore constructed, spray heads at opposite sides of the casing sprayed water concurrently toward each other, often causing dirt to be washed from opposite sides toward each other and to cling together and remain at the middle, on the articles to be cleaned. This defect is cured by alternatingly sprayfrom each side toward an opposite side so that dirt can be washed all the way across the casing and hence all the way off the articles to be washed without being held back by a concurrent opposite spraying.

Wire 194 is connected by wire 200 to a pilot light 201 which is connected in turn by wire 203 to the neutral wire 170. Thus the pilot light is energized whenever the start button or switch No. 1 is closed and the door is also closed.

Switch No. 1 is controlled by a program timer 204 (FIG. 12) controlled by a program timer motor 205 which, through suitable transmission 206, rotates a shaft 207, at a uniform rate of speed, that is one complete revolution in a predetermined period, shown in graph of FIG. 10, for purpose of illustration, as one revolution in ninety seconds. On shaft 207 are seven cams 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214 controlling seven switches respectively, shown in FIG. 9 as switches Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 5, 6. Switches Nos. 1, 3, and 6 are either opened or closed by their cams 208, 210, 213 and 214, respectively.

Switch No. 2 comprises a switch arm 215 connected by wire 216 to hot line 171 and normally contacting an open contact 217. When switch No. 2 is actuated by its ca-m 209, switch arm 215 moves into engagement with a contact 218 connected to wire 184.

Switch No. 4a comprises a switch arm 220 connected by wire 221 to a contact 222 and normally engaging a contact 223 connected by wire 224 to a wire 225 connected at one end to wires 192, 187, 186. When switch No. 4a is actuated by its cam 211, it shifts away from contact 223 and into engagement with a contact 226 connected to said wire 184.

Switch No. 4b comprises a switch arm 227 connected by wire 228 to wire 188. Said switch arm 227 is normally in engagement with said contact 222. However, when cam 212 actuates switch No. 4b, switch arm 227 moves away from contact 222 and into engagement with a contact 229 which is connected to wire 184. Thus, normally, the repeat timer motor 111a is also energized through switches 4a, 4b when start switch 191 or switch No. 1 is closed. The solenoid 153 for the fill valve is energized to allow water to enter the casing whenever switches Nos. 2, 4a or 4b are actuated by the program timer cams 209, 211 and 212, respectively.

There is further employed in the electrical system herein, three similar cycle flex timers. One is designated a wash timer, another a first rinse timer and the third a second rinse timer. Each timer 240 is normally in a first stage shown in FIG. 11, and may pass to a second stage shown in FIG. lla, then pass to a third stage illustrated in FIG. 11b from which it passes back to the first stage of FIG. 11, all in the manner hereinafter described.

Each timer 240 comprises a timer motor M, eight terminals marked 1 to 8, inclusive, and a terminal marked L The terminals L of the wash, first rinse and second rinse timers 240 are connected to the neutral line by Wires 241, 242, 243, respectively.

Terminal 8 of wash timer 240 is connected by wire 244 to wire 182. Wire 225 is connected to terminal 7 of the wash timer. Terminal 1 of wash timer 240 is connected by wire 245 to hot line 171. Terminal 4 of the wash timer is connected by wire 246 to wire 245. Switch No. 3 is interposed in wire 245 between terminals 1, 4 of the wash timer and said hot line 171.

Terminal 3 of wash timer 240 is connected by wire 247 to terminal 7 of the first rinse timer 240. Terminal 8 of first rinse timer 240 is connected by wire 248 to said wire 182. Terminal 1 of first rinse timer 240 is connected by wire 249 to hot line 171. Terminal 4 of first rinse timer 240 is connected by wire 250 to wire 249. Switch No. 5 is interposed in wire 249 between terminals 1, 4 of the first rinse timer and hot wire 171.

Terminal 3 of first rinse timer 240 is connected to terminal 7 of second rinse timer 240 by wire 2S1. Terminals 1 and 4 of second rinse timer 240 are connected by wire 252, through switch No. 6, to the hot line 171.

Terminal 3 of second rinse timer 240 is connected by wire 253 to one terminal of the program timer motor 205, the other terminal of said motor being connected to neutral line 170 by wire 254.

In each cycle flex timer 240, the terminals of the motor M are connected by conductors 254a, 254b to terminals L and 2, respectively. In each, terminal 1 is connected by conductor 255 to terminal L In each, terminal 3 is connected by conductor 256 to a switch arm 257 which may move from engagement with a contact 258 to a contact 259. Contact 258 is connected by a conductor 260 to terminal 7. Contact 259 is connected by a conductor 261 to terminal 8.

Terminal 6 is connected by wire 262 to a switch arm 263 adapted to move into and out of engagement with a contact 264 which is connected by a conductor 264a to terminal 2. Terminal 1 has connected thereto, a switch arm 265 which may move into engagement with a contact 266 on the conductor 264a. Connected to terminal 4 of each timer 240 is a switch arm 267 which may move from engagement with a contact 268 on conductor 256 9 to a contact 269 connected by conductor 270 to terminal 5.

In its first stage, each timer 240 (FIG. 11) has its switch arm 257 in engagement with contact 258; its switch arm 263 open; its switch arm 265 in engagement with contact 266 and its switch arm 267 in engagement with contact 269.

In second stage (FIG. 11a) switch arm 257 has disengagedfrom contact 258 and has engaged contact 259. Switch arm 263 has engaged contact 264, and switch arms 265, 267 have not moved and are as in the first stage.

-In the third stage (FIG. 1112) switch arms 257, 263 are in the same position as in the second stage, but switch arm 265 has opened and switch arm 267 has moved away from contact 268 and into engagement with contact 269.

The motor M of each timer 240 is so preset that when it is energized, it will remain energized for a predetermined period (for example four minutes for wash).

Each timer 240 is so arranged that normally when no current passes to motor M thereof, the timer is in conditioner of first stage (FIG. 11). Once current passes to motor M, in the manner hereinafter appearing, the timer moves from first stage to second stage by reason of immediate movement of switch arms 257 and 263 as explained below.

Mot-or M, when energized, remains energized for a predetermined, preset period of time, and then automatically moves from second stage to third stage by movement of switch arms 265, 267 from position of FIG. 11a to position of FIG. 11b.

-When current is cut off to the motor M in the manner hereinafter appearing, timer 240 goes back immediately from third stage (FIG. 11b) to first stage (FIG. 11).

The cycle flex timers 240 are made by Eagle Signal Corp. of Moline, Illinois, under the name Cycle Flex Timer.

The squential operation of the washer 10 will now be described. At the start, there is water in the tank from the previous last rinse (second rinse of a previous sequential operation). Also detergent has been added. The articles to be washed are rolled or moved into the casing '11 and the main control switch 174 is closed and the door is closed to close the door micro-switch 175. I

Then push starter button switch 191 and hold it closed for about five seconds. Current goes through the starter switch 191 and float switch 160 to the magnetic starter 15351 of the pump motor 33 and the pump pumps water from the tank to the two sets of spray heads through the diverter. The diverter is actuated because the repeat timer motor 111 is energized through the starter switch and the solenoid 110a is alternately energized and de-energized, also through the starter switch. This operation continues while the pump motor is energized.

The current also goes through the starter switch 191 and the float switch 160, through wire 225 and through terminals 7 and 3 of the three timers 240, to the program timer motor 205. Timers 240 are all in first stage condition at this time, as there is no current to the timer motors M, since switches Nos. 3, 5 and 6 are open.

The current, going to the program timer motor starts rotation of the program timer cam shaft 207.

In FIG. 10 there is shown a graph illustrating the cycle of operation. At the left of the graph is a vertical line 300, indicating the beginning of the cycle. At the right of said figure is a vertical line 301 indicating the end of the cycle. For purpose of illustration, one revolution of shaft 207 is to take 90 seconds. At the top of FIG. 10 is a horizontal double line 302 on which the time in seconds is indicated by numerals 1'0, 30, 50, 70 and 90. The space between lines 300, 301 is divided by vertical lines 303, 304, 305, 306, 307 and 308 indicating respectively time intervals of 4 seconds between lines 300 and 303; 14 seconds between lines 303 and 304; of 28 seconds between lines 304 and 305; 5 seconds between lines 305 and 306;

28 seconds between lines 306 and 307; 5 seconds between lines 307 and 308; and six seconds between lines 308 and 301.

The 4 second interval is indicated by dark horizontal line 310; the 14 second interval by dark line 311; a first 28 second interval by dark line 312; a first 5 second interval by dark line 31 3; another 28 second interval by dark line 31 4; another 5 second interval by dark line 3 15, and a 6 second interval by dark line 316.

The graph of FIG. 10 will be helpful in explaining the cycle of operation.

When the prorgam timer motor starts turning shaft 207, all the cams thereon start rotating with the shaft. C-am 208 is arranged to close switch No. 1 after 4 seconds of operation as indicated by vertical line 303 and to hold that switch closed until the end of the cycle is reached and the shaft 207 has made a complete revolution as indicated at line 301 (at end of seconds of complete revolving time of said shaft). Switch No. 1 is closed before the start button or switch 191 is released. After 4 seconds of rotation switch No. 2 is closed by cam 209 and is held closed for 14 seconds and then opens, as indicated by line 311.

Upon closure of switch No. 1 (and release of start switch 191) the current passes through the float switch and through the three timers 240 to the program timer motor which continues operating. Also the pump keeps operating through the float switch or switch arms 220, 227, and switch No. 1. Actuation of switch No. 2 closes a circuit through wire 184 and the fill valve solenoid 153 and more water enters the tank. This action does not eifect action of the pump. The filling valve remains open for 14 seconds and then switch No. 2 opens (at line 304 on graph of FIG. 10), and switch No. 3 is closed by cam 210. Closure of switch No. 3 energizes motor M of wash timer 240 through -Wire 245 and terminal 1 of the said wash timer. Wash timer 240 then moves from first stage of FIG. 11 to second stage of FIG. 11a and current is cut to the program timer motor 205 and the shaft 207 stops turning. Motor M remains energized for a preset period and then it automatically de-energizes. During this preset period (four minutes for example) the pump is still being actuated and this is the wash operation. Thus line 304 in FIG. 10 indicates a halt in the operation of the program timer.

At the end of the preset period of energization of motor M of the wash timer 240, said timer moves automatically to third stage (FIG. 11b) and switches 265, 267 shift and current then goes through switch No. 3 and through terminals 4 and 8 of wash timer 240 to wire 244 and to drain valve solenoid 90 to open the drain valve. The ump motor continues operating to pump water from the tank to the drain instead of from the tank to the spray heads. This operation continues (line 312 in FIG. 10) for the full 28 seconds. During this period the float drops sufficiently by lowering of the water level to open the float switch 160 but the pump motor remains energized through switch No. 1 and switch arms 220, 227. When the Washer timer went to stage three, the program timer motor was re-energized through switch No. 3 and terminals 4 and 3 of wash timer 240. Program timer motor continues turning shaft 207 and continues keeping switch No. 3 closed for the 28 second period indicated by line 312. Thus switch No. 3 remains closed for the preset period (4 minute wash period) as well as for 28 seconds additional during which drain takes place. At end of this 28 second drain period, switch No. 3 opens to deenergize the drain valve solenoid to close the drain valve and wash timer 240 goes back from third stage to first stage and the program timer remains energized through terminals 7 and 3 of all three timers 240.

At this time switch No. 4a shifts under control of cam 211, to terminal 226 and the fill valve solenoid 153 is again energized to start refilling water to the tank.

Once -the float switch dropped down sufficiently to open, and switch 4a has shifted to contact 226, the pump motor has stopped, the program timer motor has stopped (at line 305 of FIG. 10) until the float switch rose again sufliciently to allow current to pass through wire 225 and terminals 7 and 3 of all three timers 240 thereby re-energizing the program timer motor and also the pump motor.

Then program timer starts again and solenoid 90 for fill valve remains energized for seconds as indicated by line 313 (FIG. and then switch No. 4a is shifted back to normal at line 306 to de-energize the fill valve solenoid. Switch No. 5 then is closed by its cam 213 at line 306 of FIG. 10, which energizes motor M of the first rinse timer 240 and stops the program timer (at line 306 of FIG. 10) again for a preset period. The pump operates during this preset period due to closure of the float switch 160 so that the first rinse operation takes place (at line 306 of FIG. 10) while the program timer motor is not operating. The time for first rinse depends on the preset time of motor M of the first rinse timer 24. At the end of this preset period, motor M of the first rinse timer is de-cnergized and the program timer is energized and also the drain valve solenoid 90 through terminal 8 of the first rinse timer 240 and wire 248, so that the pump pumps water out through the open drain valve. This continues for a 28 second period designated by line 314 of FIG. 10. During the 28 second period, the float valve drops, opening switch 160, but the pump motor remains energized through switch No. 1 and switch arms 220, 227.

At the end of a second 28 second period (line 314 of FIG. 10), switch No. 5 is opened (at line 307 of FIG. 10), and the first rinse timer 240 goes from stage three to stage one and the program timer motor remains energized through switch No. 1 and through terminals 7 and 3 of the three timers 240 and through float switch 160. Also opening of switch No. 5 cuts current to the drain valve solenoid (the float dropped during this drain). At the end of the 28 second period indicated by line 314, switch 41) is shifted to contact 229 by cam 212 to de-energize the pump motor and again energize the fill valve solenoid 153. The program timer motor is off at this time because the float has dropped, opening the float switch and switch arm 227 is away from contact 222. This condition continues until the float switch again closes, and the program timer motor is then again energized for another 5 second interval (line 315 of FIG. 10). At the the end of this 5 second period switch 4b shifts back to contact 222 and switch 6 is closed, thereby causing operation of rinse No. 2 for another preset period 308.

At the end of the second rinse, current goes to the program timer which opens switch No. 6 and switch No. 1, at the same time, at the end of the cycle, at line 301 of FIG. 10. This operation cuts the current entirely.

While switch No. 6 was on and the pump mot-or was energized, rinse continues to take place, but the drain valve solenoid is not energized because terminal 8 of the second rinse timer 240 is open. The second rinse timer is wired differently than the wash timer and the first rinse timer, since in the latter two timers, in third stage, terminal 8 is closed and hence energizes the drain solenoid, but in the second rinse timer, terminal 8 remains open as the third stage, and the drain solenoid is not energized. Thus second rinse water remains for a succeeding cycle of operation.

In FIG. 1 of the drawing there is shown conduit 400 for electrical wiring and casings 401, 402, 403 to carry the Various electric and sequential controls.

Closing of the main control switch 174 causes the cabin light 172 to be illuminated.

It will thus be seen that there is provided an apparatus in which the several objects of this invention are achieved and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

. As possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as various changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings, is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. A washer comprising a casing, a pump, a motor to operate said pump, spray means in the casing, a drain, means to connect the inlet of the pump to the casing, means to connect the outlet of the pump to the spray means, means to connect said outlet to the drain, a drain valve to control flow of water to the drain, a drain solenoid controlling said drain valve, a program timer, a synchronous program timer motor to operate said program timer, means controlled by said program timer to automatically control actuation of said pump motor and drain valve solenoid to cause the pump to pump water to said spray means, and to the drain, a plurality of separate times and including time controlled means other than the program timer, to automatically interrupt operation of the program timer motor for a predetermined period, each time the pump is pumping water to the spray means and to allow resumption of operation of the program timer motor after each such interruption.

2. The combination of claim 1, said other time controlled means being adjustable to selectively vary the duration of each interruption.

3. The combination of claim 1, a fill conduit on the casing for adding water to the casing, a fill valve for said fill conduit, a fill valve solenoid for said fill valve, said automatic control means including means controlled by said program timer, and means responsive to the level of water in said casing, to cause the fill valve solenoid to be actuated a plurality of separate times, to add water to the casing for a plurality of fill periods.

4. The combination of claim 3, and means including said other time controlled means, to interrupt operation of said program timer motor during each fill period and resume energization of the program timer after each such interruption.

5. The combination of claim 4, said other time controlled means being adjustable to individually adjust the several periods of interruption during said pumping operation to the spray means, and the several periods of interruption during the fill periods.

6. The combination of claim 1, said casing having opposite vertical sides, said spray means comprising a spray device at each of said opposite sides of the casing to spray water toward the opposite side, and means to automatically alternately and repeatedly divert water to said spray devices during each of said separate periods when the pump is pumping water to the spray means.

7. In combination, a casing, a drain, spray means in the casing, a pump having an inlet connected to the casing and an outlet connected to said spray means and drain, a motor for said pump, a drain valve for said drain, a solenoid for said drain valve, a fill pipe for said casing, a fill valve for said fill pipe, a fill valve solenoid for said fill valve, means including level responsive means, to automatically energize each of said pump motor, drain valve solenoid and fill valve solenoid a plurality of separate times, said automatic means including a first time control means to control periods and sequence of actuation of said drain valve solenoid, fill valve solenoid and pump motor, and also including a second time control means controlling the operation of said first time control means, to vary the periods of operation of the pump motor and said fill valve solenoid.

8. In combination, a casing, a pump, a motor for said pump, a drain, spray means in the casing, means to connect the inlet of the pump to the casing, means to connect the outlet of the pump to the spray means and drain, fill means to supply water to the casing, a fill valve for said fill means, a drain valve solenoid for the drain valve,

a fill valve solenoid for the fill valve, a float switch having means to open when the level of water in the casing falls to a predetermined low level, and means to close when the level of water in the tank rises to a predetermined high level, said float switch having means to remain closed after closing at said high level, as the water level falls, until it reaches said low level, and means to remain open after opening at said low level as the water level rises until the water rises to said high level, time controlled means, including said switch, to automatically control operation of said pump motor, drain valve solenoid and fill valve solenoid in predetermined sequence, said time controlled means including means to actuate the pump motor when the float switch is closed and means to concurrently retain the drain valve solenoid in condition to close the drain valve whereby to pump water to the spray means.

9. In combination, a casing, a pump, a motor for said pump, a drain, spray means in the casing, said pump having an inlet connected to the casing and an outlet connected to the spray means and to the drain, fill means to supply water to the casing, a fill valve for said fill means, a drain valve for said drain, a float switch having means for opening when the level of water in the casing falls to a predetermined low level and for closing when the water in the casing rises to a predetermined high level, and automatic control means including means to sequentially energize the pump motor, and means to concurrently close the drain valve with the float switch in closed condition, to energize the pump motor to pump water to the spray means and means to concurrently open the fill valve to add water to the casing for an added fill operation while the drain valve remains closed, then close the fill valve while continuing the actuation of the pump motor to continue pumping water to the spray means, for a wash operation.

10. The combination of claim '9, said automatic means including means to then open the drain valve while continuing actuation of said pump motor to drain the casing for a first drain operation, allowing said float switch to open by drop of water in the casing to said predetermined low level, and continuing operation of the pump motor with float switch open, and closing the drain valve to terminate said first drain operation.

11. The combination of claim 10, said automatic means further including means to then again open the fill valve and deenergize the pump motor, to allow water to enter the casing for a second fill operation until the water in the tank rises to said predetermined high level to close the float switch and again energize the pump motor, and to then again close the fill valve and pump water to the spray means, for a first rinse operation.

12. The combination of claim 11, said automatic control means further comprising means thereafter to again open the drain valve while retaining the pump motor energized, for a second drain operation allowing the float valve to open when low water level is reached, while retaining the pump motor energized, then closing said drain valve and opening the fill valve and deenergizing the pump motor, to add water to the casing for a third fill operation, causing the float switch to close due to high water level, to start pump motor again for a second rinse operation, and then stopping the pump motor while the drain valve is closed and the fill valve is closed, terminating a cycle of operation with the float switch closed, and leaving water to the high level in the casing, for use in a subsequent cycle.

13. A washer comprising a casing, a pump, spray means in the c sing, a d ai means to connect the inlet of the pump to the casing and the outlet of the pump to said spray means and drain, fill means connected to the casing for adding water to the casing, and automatic control means to carry out a cycle of operation comprising first, for a predetermined period, adding to water left in the casing to a predetermined high level from a previous cycle of operation, additional water to rise to an added height, then one or more times going through a sequence of pumping water from the casing to said spray means while closing the drain, for a spray period, then pumping water to said drain for a drain period until the water in the casing drops to a predetermined low level, and then adding water to the casing through said fill means for a fill period to end the sequence, then at the end of the last sequence, to cause the pump to pump water to the spray means for a spray period while closing the drain, and stopping the pump and leaving the water in the casing at said predetermined high level at the end of the cycle of operation, for use in a subsequent cycle of operation.

14. The combination of claim 13, said automatic means including a first time control means to control the length of the spray, drain and fill periods, and additional time control means, controlling the first time control means, to extend the length of the spray and fill periods of each sequence.

15. The combination of claim 14, said additional time control means being adjustable to selectively vary the extended length of each spray period.

16. A washer comprising a casing, a pump, spray means in the casing, a drain, means to connect the inlet of the pump to said casing and the outlet of the pump to said spray means and drain, fill means to add water to the casing, means sensitive to predetermined high and low levels of water in the casing, and automatic time control means, including said level sensitive means, to carry out a cycle of operation comprising carrying out one or more times the sequence of causing the pump to pump water to the spray means for a spray period, While retaining the drain closed, then causing the pump to pump water from the casing to the drain until the level of water in the drain reaches said low level, then causing the fill means to add water to the casing, while closing said drain, until the water reaches said high level, to end the sequence, and after the last sequence, to then cause the pump to pump water in the casing to the spray means while closing the drain for another spray period to end the cycle, leaving water in the casing after said last spray operation, at said high level, for use in a subsequent cycle.

17. The combination of claim 16, said automatic time control means including means to selectively vary the length of each spray period.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,082,259 12/1913 Baumiller 134-191 1,831,223 11/1931 Anstiss 239243 2,155,868 4/1939 Pauly et al. l34-57 2,429,090 10/ 1947 Burt-Wells 134-57 2,635,027 4/ 1953 Rasmussen 312-229 2,703,579 3/1955 Merancy 13458 2,947,312 8/1960 Heinicke 134-491 2,962,337 11/1960 Morrissey 312229 2,963,029 12/1960 Bock 134S8 2,988,287 8/1961 Sherman 239-243 3,010,461 11/1961 Faust et al. 134200 X 3,078,858 2/1963 Jacobs et a1. 13457 CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner.

R L. BLEUTGE, Assistant Examiner, 

13. A WASHER COMPRISING A CASING, A PUMP, SPRAY MEANS IN THE CASING, A DRAIN, MEANS TO CONNECT THE INLET OF THE PUMP TO THE CASING AND THE OUTLET OF THE PUMP TO SAID SPRAY MEANS AND DRAIN, FILL MEANS CONNECTED TO THE CASING FOR ADDING WATER TO THE CASING, AND AUTOMATIC CONTROL MEANS TO CARRYING OUT A CYCLE OF OPERATION COMPRISING FIRST, FOR A PREDETERMINED PERIOD, ADDING TO WATER LEFT IN THE CASING TO A PREDETERMINED HIGH LEVEL FROM A PREVIOUS CYCLE OF OPERATION, ADDITIONAL WATER TO RISE TO AN ADDED HEIGHT, THEN ONE OR MORE TIMES GOING THROUGH A SEQUENCE OF PUMPING WATER FROM THE CASING TO SAID SPRAY MEANS WHILE CLOSING THE DRAIN, FOR A SPRAY PERIOD, THEN PUMPING WATER TO SAID DRAIN FOR A DRAIN PERIOD UNTIL THE WATER IN THE CASING DROPS TO A PREDETERMINED LOW LEVEL, AND THEN ADDING WATER TO THE CASING THROUGH SAID FILL MEANS FOR A FILL PERIOD TO END THE SEQUENCE, THEN AT THE END OF THE LAST SEQUENCE, TO CAUSE THE PUMP TO PUMP WATER TO THE SPRAY MEANS FOR A SPRAY PERIOD WHILE CLOSING THE DRAIN, AND STOPPING THE PUMP AND LEAVING THE WATER IN THE CASING AT SAID PREDETERMINED HIGH LEVEL AT THE END OF THE CYCLE OF OPERATION, FOR USE IN A SUBSEQUENT CYCLE OF OPERATION. 